Entrepreneurs!
1/1/2019
Students finished up the economics unit with the re-opening of the Second Grade Store. This store opens up once a year, just in time for holiday shopping. Second graders learn about goods vs. services, supply vs. demand and basic money management in the unit. They then brainstorm, design and create a good or service. In this process, they also were given the opportunity to learn and use new tools in their creations. They then learn about marketing their product, through advertisements in the form of signage and commercials. Once their prospective buyers view their commercials, they participate in an interest survey designed to give the second grade producers some insight as to how popular their product might be, enabling them to set their prices accordingly. As the store day approaches, students set up booths and anticipate their shoppers. They have to think not only about the efficiency and logistics of their booth, but also the aesthetics of it as well. The consumers (in the form of grades 1st, 3rd, Middle School as well as various assorted teachers and parents) come to shop, each given a $4 wallet in which to make their purchases from. They are welcome to spend the money as they wish, keeping any product that they purchase. The second grade shopkeepers must handle money transactions and persuade the buyers to purchase from them instead of their fellow shopkeepers. Shoppers fill out a satisfaction survey at the end of their shopping, commenting on things they liked as well as suggestions for improvement. These comments ranged from enthusiastic positivity "I loved every single thing about your store! Good work!" to constructive comments "Maybe next time think about why someone would want to buy your product and then persuade people while they are shopping." The second graders also work on a reflection piece that allow them to think about what went well for them and also to think what they might do differently. Some of their thoughts included: "I would definitely make more product because I ran out!" "I wouldn't give anything away for free." "I think I did a good job because people liked my product and I made a lot of money." Not only are student hitting several important grade level standards in this project, they are also strengthening valuable life skills as well. Creativity and student voice/choice go hand in hand with this project, as well as critical thinking and problem solving. And while it might seem counter-intuitive to collaborate with your competition, the second graders all helped each other throughout this process. They helped to create product, brainstormed solutions to challenges and helped to create commercials as well as other things that were needed.
They also left valuable advice to next years second graders who, after coming to experience the store as a consumer, are already brainstorming for their own booth at next year's store. Comments are closed.
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Marcella HitchcockMs. Hitchcock teaches second grade, is a mom of two, an avid reader, lifelong learner, and a seeker of sunshine! Archives
March 2021
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